British R.A.F. bombing raids by A-20 aircraft in German-occupied France and over Germany in World War II.

Location:
France Date:1943Duration:3 min 15 secSound:Yes

World War 2 Newsreel footage of British air raids on German occupied France, titled "Day and Night R.A.F. makes Nazis take it !" Six Douglas DB-7/A-20 Havoc attack bombers (American made, but ordered by Britain) take off from England and are seen in formation over the English Channel. A-20 Havocs approach beach. A-20 Havocs over French countryside. Planes approach German-operated chemical plants making munitions. View of bombardier pulling bomb release trigger. Damage done by bombing seen. Port and buildings being bombed by A-20 bombers at St. Malo. Explosions seen in dock areas from the air. Back in England, RAF pilots suit-up in cold weather gear for night bombing flights over Germany. View of a line of carrier pigeons each in a box, to be carried in each plane and released if the pilot gets in trouble. A pilot carrying a pigeon in a box. Bomber crews consult together at their planes before boarding. U.S. airmen being trained join together with RAF flyers and board Avro Lancaster bombers for the night raids. Lancaster bombers taxi and takeoff. Halifax III taxiing and taking off. Hawker Hurricane or Spitfire fighters seen in flight ready to engage Nazi fighters. Views of actual bombing raid on a German city by Lancaster bombers. Incoming flak and anti-aircraft fire. Explosions on ground over targets in Germany. [Note: Interestingly, the film uses shots of a German Junkers 88 bomber, instead of a Lancaster, to illustrate the nose of the aircraft at night.]